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Making Everyday BeautifulMon, 19 Nov 2018 01:19:35 +0000en-UShourly1blogspot/uEubdhttps://feedburner.google.comSubscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesSubscribe with PlusmoSubscribe with The Free DictionarySubscribe with Bitty BrowserSubscribe with Live.comSubscribe with Excite MIXSubscribe with WebwagSubscribe with Podcast ReadySubscribe with WikioSubscribe with Daily RotationKindness Online: 3 Conversations to Have with Our Tweens & Teenshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uEubd/~3/XhkoXQmuqig/
https://simpleasthatblog.com/3-conversations-to-have-with-our-tweens-about-online-bullying/#commentsThu, 25 Oct 2018 17:24:25 +0000https://simpleasthatblog.com/?p=24435A big thank you to Google for sponsoring this post and initiating this important conversation! My oldest child was only in fourth grade when she first became the target of repeated bullying. The details of her experience are a story for another day, but as her mom, it really opened my eyes to how early […]

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Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>A big thank you to Google for sponsoring this post and initiating this important conversation!

My oldest child was only in fourth grade when she first became the target of repeated bullying. The details of her experience are a story for another day, but as her mom, it really opened my eyes to how early bullying can start—and what a profound impact it can have on a child’s impressionable self-worth.

I recently came across these statistics from stopbullying.gov:

28% of students have experienced bullying personally.

71% of students—and 70% of school staff—have witnessed bullying directly.

Only 20% – 30% of students notify adults about bullying.

They’re sobering, aren’t they? And these stats aren’t even touching the huge issue of cyberbullying.

As my children get older and begin to leave their own footprints online, I feel the tremendous responsibility I have to equip them—as best I can—for what they’ll face there.

We’ve had so many conversations about how to spread kindness online, but these three conversations seem to have made the biggest difference so far. I hope they help your family like they’ve helped ours!

Kindness Online: 3 Conversations to Have with Our Tweens & Teens

1. The False Anonymity People Feel When Interacting Online—and the Value of Face-to-Face Communication

Itʼs important to remind ourselves that behind every username and avatar is a real person with real feelings. And everyone deserves to be treated as we would want to be treated.

So often, especially when we’re young and our brains are still developing, we say things online that we would never say to another person’s face. Whether it’s an Instagram comment, a SnapChat video, or a text, before you type, ask yourself — “Would I say this to his (or her) face?” If you have any hesitation, don’t do it.

2. The Importance of Being an Upstander

When bullying or other mean behavior happens, there are often four roles involved:

Let’s tell our tweens and teens that if we want to see change in the world, it has to start with us. Silently watching someone be demeaned or hurt—whether online or in real life—is not far short of doing it yourself. Would you want someone to stand up for you? Let’s offer this to the people around us.

3. HOW to Be an Upstander (Not a Bystander)

The question, then, is exactly how to play this role. Try any of these:

Find a way to be kind to or support the person being targeted

Call out the mean behavior in a comment or reply (remember to call out the behavior, not the person), if you feel comfortable with that and think it’s safe to do so

Decide not to help the aggressor by spreading the bullying or making it worse by sharing the mean post or comment online

Get a bunch of friends to post lots of kind comments about the person being targeted (but nothing mean about the aggressor, because you’re setting an example, not retaliating)

Report the harassment. Tell someone who can help, like a parent, teacher, or school counselor.

It’s so important to me that I help my children see the long-term ramifications of the conversations they have online. We can’t send them out into the big world—both online and off—and expect them to swim on their own.

Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>https://simpleasthatblog.com/3-conversations-to-have-with-our-tweens-about-online-bullying/feed/2https://simpleasthatblog.com/3-conversations-to-have-with-our-tweens-about-online-bullying/A Summer Un-Bucket List: 16 Things I WON’T Be Doing This Yearhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uEubd/~3/EOA4HYDOSKQ/
https://simpleasthatblog.com/a-summer-un-bucket-list-16-things-i-wont-be-doing-this-year/#commentsThu, 19 Jul 2018 15:41:38 +0000https://simpleasthatblog.com/?p=24383I love summer… But I tend to head into the season with big hopes and even higher expectations. It’ll be a reprieve from the homework! Cute crafts will fill our days! We’ll have exciting day trips to look forward to, and there won’t be any sibling squabbles…. Yeah, right! I believe deeply in savoring the […]

Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>I love summer… But I tend to head into the season with big hopes and even higher expectations.

It’ll be a reprieve from the homework! Cute crafts will fill our days! We’ll have exciting day trips to look forward to, and there won’t be any sibling squabbles….

Yeah, right!

I believe deeply in savoring the days that make up our lives. I believe in collecting moments like one might collect stamps on a passport. I believe in bucket lists, adventure, crafting, and travel. I believe in counting down the summers because we only have 18 of them with each of our children.

That said, I know that many of us moms feel weary under the weight of making summers magical for our kids.

We feel like we need elaborate vacation plans, exciting bucket lists, and packed schedules. We need day camp followed by swim lessons followed by the carnival downtown. (It makes me tired just to write that!)

I’m here to share a realization that has taken so much of the pressure off me:

Many of the summer memories that stand out most in my mind weren’t orchestrated by any event I planned or any chart I hung on the fridge.

Those best moments happened in between all the things I planned to do.

On our recent road trip to eastern Idaho, we did some amazing activities, from getting close with wildlife to hiking up to a gorgeous hot spring tucked away in the mountains. But somehow, the most memorable moment by far was an unexpected stop at a roadside pullout, of all places.

We’d been go-go-going all day and needed a quick bite to eat.

The sun was sinking low in the sky, and after a day of bustling about, the stillness was just what we needed. We laughed and talked about our day and a million things in between.

A quiet, unexpected moment on a trip where all the “memorable moments” were already planned out is what stands out most to me.

In that spirit, here are 16 things I WON’T be doing this summer, in order to find more of the unplanned, in-between moments to sink into with my family.

(Thank you to the many of you who contributed to this discussion over on Instagram!)

A Summer Un-Bucket List: 16 Things I WON’T Be Doing This Year

I’m not going to rush. The few minutes we may save aren’t worth the anxiety it causes in our hearts.

In 14 years of motherhood, I’ve learned to leave plenty of empty space on the calendar and to wait for the magic to happen rather than try to manufacture it myself.

After all, it’s so often not the shiny, planned-out memories that stick with us; it’s the quiet moments of connection and the accidental chances to experience childlike wonder that get archived in our memories.

“Summer was about freedom and youth and no school and possibilities and adventure and exploration. Summer was a book of hope.” –Benjamin Alire Sáenz

What stands out to you most on this list? What will you NOT be doing this summer?

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Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>https://simpleasthatblog.com/a-summer-un-bucket-list-16-things-i-wont-be-doing-this-year/feed/5https://simpleasthatblog.com/a-summer-un-bucket-list-16-things-i-wont-be-doing-this-year/Mom’s Summer Reading Challengehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uEubd/~3/6YXa3h_qtz0/
https://simpleasthatblog.com/moms-summer-reading-challenge/#respondSun, 03 Jun 2018 03:45:23 +0000https://simpleasthatblog.com/?p=24372Mom’s Summer Reading Challenge is a fun way to get your kids excited about reading all the books this summer! Use our printable reading log and the ideas in this post to encourage your kids to meet their reading goals. Last year the reading program at our local library fell a little short for us […]

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Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>Mom’s Summer Reading Challenge is a fun way to get your kids excited about reading all the books this summer! Use our printable reading log and the ideas in this post to encourage your kids to meet their reading goals.

Last year the reading program at our local library fell a little short for us so I decided to put together a summer reading challenge for our kids at home. We’re calling it Mom’s Summer Reading Challenge. My kids are really excited about it and I wanted to share our summer reading plans with you!

I’ve tried to incorporate ideas that have worked for us in the past and enough inspiration to make this work for both young and old readers. Since this is our first year doing it I’m sure we’ll be tweaking a few things as we go but I’ll share with you what I have planned so far.

How Mom’s Summer Reading Challenge Works

The challenge is simple: record your reading minutes or number of books read throughout the summer and earn prizes along the way. My kids are a bit older (ages 8-15) so we’ll be recording their reading minutes. If you scroll down you can see the reading log we’re using for the challenge and print it out for yourself.

We’ve set some individual reading goals for the kids according to their age. My oldest two will be aiming to read 5000 minutes this summer. My younger two (ages 8 and 10) are working towards reading 2500 minutes.

Prizes are redeemed every 500 minutes read. I’ll share some examples of the prizes I’m doing for the challenge below. The kids are all working towards the grand prize which will be a fun family outing to the local water park.

Printable Summer Reading Log

The printable summer reading log we’re using has 100 books on it total.

Older kids can record their reading minutes and younger readers can make a goal to read a certain number of books. The log allows you to make a record either way. My younger kids are filling in one book for every 10 minutes they read and my older two are filling in 1 book for every 25 minutes read.

I think it would be a fun chart for adults too! Make a goal to read 100 books throughout a year (or longer) time span and record your progress using the reading log.

What’s the Book Bucket?

To sweeten the deal even more and to encourage the kids along with their summer reading goals I put together what we call “The Book Bucket.” It’s a bucket full of special treats that we don’t have in our home very often that the kids can look forward to eating while they read.

The book bucket only comes out twice per week – this is not an every day occurrence. When the book bucket comes out they can choose a treat and must eat it while they read.

Mom’s Reading Challenge Prize Ideas

Mom’s reading challenge wouldn’t be complete without some exciting prizes! For each 500 minutes my kids read they’re eligible for a prize. The number of minutes read or books read can be personalized per child – 500 minutes felt like a good number to me.

Picking the prizes is also a great way to customize this reading challenge for your kids according to their ages. Below is a list of prize ideas. I tried to make them special, age appropriate and emphasize experiences over candy or toys. If you have any other ideas to add to the list please share!

The grand prize for our summer reading challenge will be a fun day at the local water park. The kids are eager to earn this reward and it will be such a fun way to celebrate all of their hard work! What will you do to wrap up your family’s summer reading challenge?

Download Printable Reading Log for Kids

Using the link below you can download the printable reading log to use for your summer reading challenge. Simply save a copy to your computer, print it out and you’re ready to go!

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Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>https://simpleasthatblog.com/moms-summer-reading-challenge/feed/0https://simpleasthatblog.com/moms-summer-reading-challenge/Kids Daily Responsibilities Checklisthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uEubd/~3/jH5dRzNcphA/
https://simpleasthatblog.com/kids-daily-responsibilities-checklist/#commentsThu, 31 May 2018 01:28:35 +0000https://simpleasthatblog.com/?p=24341Tired of nagging your kids to get the same things done day after day? This kids daily responsibilities checklist is simple, but exactly what you need to set clear expectations and encourage personal accountability. Simple is always best As a mom of four kids ages 8 – 15 I’ve been around the chore chart block […]

Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>Tired of nagging your kids to get the same things done day after day? This kids daily responsibilities checklist is simple, but exactly what you need to set clear expectations and encourage personal accountability.

Simple is always best

As a mom of four kids ages 8 – 15 I’ve been around the chore chart block a few times. I’ve purchased expensive responsibility boards, designed pretty printables to hang on the fridge. I even attempted a popsicle stick system for a while – I tried all the things and nothing seemed to stick!

When it came to finding a responsibility system that actually works I’ve learned that it all boils down to one thing – keeping it simple! The success of our family’s responsibility system depends on its sustainability and simplicity is key! I’m excited to report that we’ve found a very basic system that’s working so well for us I had to share it with you in the hopes that it will be just as beneficial for you as it has been for our family.

Why a responsibility checklist

I first implemented this system for the after school hour. It was a crazy time of day and after nagging my kids over and over to get the same things done I’d had enough. I wrote a few things down on a sticky note one day and said, I’m not going to remind you anymore. Here’s what you need to do…now do it!

Things like putting backpacks away, eating and cleaning up snack, putting away folded laundry, and daily reading. If these basic things didn’t get done before dinner and the kids got wrapped up in screen time or playing with friends before completing these basic tasks then it would derail our entire evening.

During the summer months I’ve found that if the kids get up in the morning and get on screens or go out to play with friends before a few essential tasks are done then our day would get away from us. Jobs went undone, breakfast got missed, and laundry didn’t get put away regularly.

Our days, whether it’s during the school year or during the summer months, run so much smoother when we put first things first. Getting these essential responsibilities taken care of before play time begins and removing mom’s constant nagging from the equation has made such a difference!

The Value of Personal Responsibility

I want my kids to be responsible for the things they need to do on a daily basis to take care of their own bodies, their belongings, their school work and to contribute in our home by doing chores. Me constantly reminding them to do these things was not doing either one of us any favors. My kids didn’t want to be constantly reminded and I was robbing them of the opportunity to take personal accountability.

I believe there’s absolute truth in these words from Ann Landers…

“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”

How the Checklist Works

During the school year I leave the kids responsibilities checklists on the kitchen table for them when they get home after school. I add one daily job such as load or unload the dishwasher, empty the garbages, sweep the floor, etc. The rest of the responsibilities do not change throughout the week. I require the kids to do a 5-minute tidy which is a quick pick up in their own room. I wash and fold laundry during the day and the kids are responsible for getting their clothes from the laundry room and putting them away in their rooms.

The one hard and fast rule is no screen time or playing with friends until all their responsibilities are checked off.

During the summer I add a few more things to the kid’s lists to add a bit more structure to our days. The kids are still required to do 20 minutes of reading (or more if they’re participating in Mom’s Summer Reading Challenge!) as well as 30 minutes of exercise and 30 minutes of learning.

Exercise can be playing outside in the backyard, going for a bike ride, roller blading, doing a yoga video, walking the dog, etc. Learning can include doing a workbook, researching a topic, learning to make something, or doing a creative project.

The internet in our home remains paused in the mornings thanks to our Circle Disney. Based on past experience I just know that if the kids get on screens first thing in the morning our whole day tends to get away from us. Having them get up and get straight to work on their responsibility checklist in the morning is game changing. They have total control over how fast or slow they work through their list. They can choose what order they do things in. My kids have begun taking initiative on their own when it comes to their personal responsibilities thanks to these checklists and it’s so great to see!

Download Kids Daily Responsibility Checklist

Using the link below you can download a blank PDF version of the daily responsibilities checklist. If you’d like to customize your checklist save it to your computer. Open it in your favorite photo editing software and using the text tool add titles and chores to the checklist or simply fill your checklists out with a pen the old fashioned way!

We’ve opted to put our checklist in a page protector and the kids cross them off using an ultra fine tip expo marker. We wipe the page off at the end of the day and start again the next morning.

Jobs for hire

People have wondered if the kids are paid for the responsibilities on their checklist and the answer is no. These lists are things that are expected of them as contributing members of our family. That being said, I do believe in teaching them the value of earning money and spending it responsibly.

Outside of our kids expected chores, have a list of “jobs for hire.” I have an ongoing list of chores posted on the fridge with a set a price for each one. The kids know they’re welcome to take on money-earning jobs as long as they’ve completed their everyday, foundational responsibilities.

This simple checklist has been such a great tool in teaching my kids responsibility and eliminating a lot of the nagging I’ve had to do in the past. I hope its as useful in your home as it has been in ours!

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Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>https://simpleasthatblog.com/kids-daily-responsibilities-checklist/feed/10https://simpleasthatblog.com/kids-daily-responsibilities-checklist/My Babies Are Big Now, But This Is What They’ll Never Outgrowhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uEubd/~3/g4um6qYHyx8/
https://simpleasthatblog.com/my-babies-are-big-now-but-this-is-what-theyll-never-outgrow/#commentsThu, 10 May 2018 03:11:32 +0000https://simpleasthatblog.com/?p=24288My babies may be big now, but these are the things children never outgrow. My children are not babies anymore. They’ve outgrown a lot of things. They’ve outgrown onesies and tiny shoes and fuzzy sleepers and cribs and baby bathtubs and high chairs and car seats. They’ve grown into hoodies and athletic shorts and giant […]

Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>My babies may be big now, but these are the things children never outgrow.

My children are not babies anymore. They’ve outgrown a lot of things.

They’ve outgrown onesies and tiny shoes and fuzzy sleepers and cribs and baby bathtubs and high chairs and car seats.

They’ve grown into hoodies and athletic shorts and giant tennis shoes and beds they don’t want to get out of and showers and, in the case of my oldest, the driver’s seat in the car.

But there are things they’ll never outgrow.

They’ll never outgrow my love for them.

They’ll never outgrow my encouragement of them.

They’ll never outgrow my concern over them.

They’ll never outgrow my worry about them.

They’ll never outgrow my support for them.

They’ll never outgrow my delight in them.

They’ll never outgrow my hopes for them.

This growing up thing is hard…for the kids who are doing the growing and for the parents who are watching it happen right in front of us. We see the ways our bigger kids don’t need us anymore, but at the same time we’re grateful for the ways they still do need us.

The push-and-pull of parenting

Where to let go. Where to hold on. This is the push-and-pull of parenting, at every stage.

We have these children to hold them, but we raise them to release them.

We grasp their hands while they learn to walk, then let them go so they can take their first solo steps.

We teach them how to be kind and share and get along with others, then let them go so they can put those lessons into practice.

We celebrate and treasure who they are, then let them go so they can find out who they will become.

These letting-go’s hurt, because we like what we have and what we know. But in every letting go, we also take hold of something new: joy, pride, hope, anticipation, celebration, accomplishment, growth, achievement.

We let go of our toddlers and take hold of the the thrill of seeing them walk on their own.

We let go of our students and take hold of the pride of watching them learn things others can teach them.

We let go of our teenagers and take hold of the joy of having them choose us as friends.

All of this is underpinned and overlaid and hemmed in by a love that gets us every time. But it also gets us through every time.

It’s a love we never have to let go of.

As moms, when our children are very young, we are needed all the time. We might dream sometimes of a day when we’ll be needed less…and then, almost at the same moment, we start to dread that day.

In some ways, I have come to that day. My children don’t need me in the same ways they did when they were infants and toddlers and preschoolers. But they do still need me.

These are the things children never outgrow

They still need to be hugged and kissed.

They still need to be fed and nurtured and guided.

They still need to be comforted and consoled.

They still need to be held.

They still need to be given things only I can give them.

They don’t need me to change their diapers anymore. But sometimes they need me to help them change their minds when they’re thinking in untrue or unhealthy ways.

They don’t need me to feed them strained peas any longer. But they do need me to feed their minds and hearts with love and encouragement.

They don’t need me to hold their hands when they cross the street. But they still need me to hold their hearts and protect them the best I can.

They don’t need me to help them reach the faucet handles on the bathroom sink these days. But they still need me to help them reach for their dreams and goals.

And your children will still need you, too, sweet mama. Whatever their ages—whether they are two weeks or two months or two years or two decades old—your babies will still need you. Because this need is not based on how big they are or what age they are; this need is based on love and relationship. And these are not things we grow out of; they are things that grow.

I can’t hold my big kids on my lap very easily anymore. Their gangling arms and long legs make it hard for them to fit comfortably.

But I’ll always hold my children in my heart.

They’ll always fit there perfectly.

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Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>https://simpleasthatblog.com/my-babies-are-big-now-but-this-is-what-theyll-never-outgrow/feed/2https://simpleasthatblog.com/my-babies-are-big-now-but-this-is-what-theyll-never-outgrow/8 Thoughtful Ways to Support a Friend on Her Health Journeyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uEubd/~3/Rjv-MUL10cQ/
https://simpleasthatblog.com/8-thoughtful-ways-to-support-a-friend-on-her-health-journey/#respondTue, 08 May 2018 13:47:41 +0000https://simpleasthatblog.com/?p=24178This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nature Made for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. Don’t under-estimate your influence for good. 8 thoughtful—and powerful—ways to support a friend on her health journey. She looked at me with defeat on her face and said, “It was too hard.” I listened as […]

Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nature Made for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Don’t under-estimate your influence for good. 8 thoughtful—and powerful—ways to support a friend on her health journey.

She looked at me with defeat on her face and said, “It was too hard.”

I listened as my friend described all the hurdles along her journey to better health—so many of which I related to.

“Maybe it’ll be easier,” she said wishfully, “when the kids are a bit older. It’s hard to eat well when I’m so busy feeding them and meeting all their needs.”

“Maybe it’ll be easier,” she added, “when getting the kids out of the door isn’t so hard. It’s discouraging when just trying to get them to the gym uses up all my energy before I even get there!”

“Maybe it’ll be easier,” she continued, “when our extended family stops brings treats by the house… or when I don’t need to make a birthday cake every time I turn around.”

I understood all of this. One hundred percent.

The hurdles to becoming healthier are significant for anyone—but especially for women in the midst of raising a family.

We’re so wrapped up in teaching and tending to them that our own healthy eating, self-care, and fitness slip—almost unnoticed—to the bottom of the list.

This is when a friend can be such a powerful force.

Do you know someone who’s trying to live healthier? Don’t under-estimate what an incredible support you can be.

I hope these 8 ideas help you watch over and encourage your friend on her health journey, right alongside your own.

Healthy Together: 8 Thoughtful Ways to Support a Friend on Her Health Journey

1. Continually (and gently) remind your friend that everyone benefits when she moves herself back up on the priority list.

“Self-care means giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” Katie Reed

2. Empathize when she confesses to some serious emotional eating or period of very little exercise…

I mean, we’ve all been there! But encourage her to keep her goals in sight and not give up because of one bad week.

3. Work out with her!

My most consistent stretches of gym attendance have always coincided with times when I’ve had friends to work out with. A simple text (“I’ll be at the 8am spin class! Will you?”) can go so far. Whether it’s a group fitness class, a stretching session on the gym floor, or an outdoor run, workouts are by far and away better with a friend.

Have you heard of those challenges where you get points each day for pre-determined healthy behaviors, like minutes of exercise, hours of sleep, and number of vegetables consumed? Join one with her, and keep each other accountable!

5. Do some childcare swaps so you can each make some time for activities that support your physical and emotional health.

From a hike outdoors to a great pedicure to a session with a therapist, health is multi-faceted, and we moms have got to do it together.

6. Watch the way you talk.

Often, as women, we bond over our unhealthy habits or negative observations about our bodies. I think we mean well; we’re trying to be authentic and relatable. But overall, I don’t think these conversations support us. I think they erode at our positivity and slow our progress toward mental and physical wellbeing. Stay optimistic, both for yourself and for your friend.

7. For the love, please do not gift her or her family sweet treats.

Willpower is a finite resource, and a plate of cookies is mighty hard to resist when you’re trying to change your habits. Support a friend by not bringing sugar by the house.

8. Instead, try giving her something that propels her further into her health and self-care journey.

Think: a new yoga mat, a fitness headband, a cute water bottle, bath bombs, lotion, a candle, a book about habit formation, or even a supplement you two have been talking about.

I’ve recently fallen hard for Nature MadeMelatonin (especially their Melatonin Gummies) because taking them helps me relax my mind and fall asleep more quickly†—and makes a difference in my overall sleep quality. I’ve gotten a few of my friends on board too, so I wouldn’t hesitate to give these as a “thinking of you” gift to a friend who’s trying to take care of her health.

—

It all comes back to the timeless adage, “There’s strength in numbers.” It’s so hard to make positive strides all on our own. But with the judgment-free support of a friend? We can move more confidently toward the lives we really want and get Healthy Together.†These statements have not been evaluated by Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>https://simpleasthatblog.com/8-thoughtful-ways-to-support-a-friend-on-her-health-journey/feed/0https://simpleasthatblog.com/8-thoughtful-ways-to-support-a-friend-on-her-health-journey/What I Gained When I Lost My Social Media Addictionhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uEubd/~3/HBHdGx_N93Q/
https://simpleasthatblog.com/what-i-gained-when-i-lost-my-social-media-addiction/#commentsSun, 06 May 2018 04:38:40 +0000https://simpleasthatblog.com/?p=24294My social media addiction was disconnecting me from the most important things in life. I walked away from Instagram for a month and gained so much from not being tethered to technology. I experienced things more fully, with all of my senses. I catalogued them in my brain instead of my phone. I’ll never consume […]

Author information

Kim is a freelance writer, journalist, and book-loving mom. She's passionate about helping families thrive and connect through reading. She shares book recommendations for kids and adults as well as articles on motherhood and mindfulness online at Talk Wordy to Me.

Kim is currently working on a novel inspired by her visit to a picturesque English village, a non-fiction account of her adventures living in Australia for four years, and two other mom-specific books she can't wait to reveal.

Kim is a fan of BBC dramas, traveling the world, simplifying her life and home, and encouraging other women to live their dreams.

]]>My social media addiction was disconnecting me from the most important things in life. I walked away from Instagram for a month and gained so much from not being tethered to technology. I experienced things more fully, with all of my senses. I catalogued them in my brain instead of my phone. I’ll never consume social media in the same way again. Photos by Brittany Allred

I deleted Instagram for a month to focus on writing my first book, but I got so much more out of it than that.

It took me awhile to actually delete the thing. Months, in fact. I knew a break was in order. I was getting too caught up in sharing there and spending too much time scrolling through people’s lives instead of fully living my own.

But, I kept justifying.

It was my digital scrapbook, after all. What if people try to contact me there? What if my following and engagement tank? And my biggest fear: What if I miss out on something?

I kept trying strategies to be on my phone less. A few things helped, but I still felt that near-constant pull to my phone. It was my go-to whenever I had a spare minute, or when I wanted to escape a tough moment. It had become a crutch.

When I finally pushed that little “x” and deleted the app, I instantly felt a sense of relief. Here are some insights I gained during my time away:

Present over posted

At first, I still saw some experiences through the social media lens. When we did something fun as a family, my kids said something funny, I listened to a great podcast or had an insight, I thought about posting it. But that compulsion faded away, and something better took its place.

I started being more present in those moments. I saw them for what they were, instead of what they could be on Instagram. I enjoyed them not because they were a good photo opp or share-worthy, but because they were a memory in the making. I experienced things more fully, with all of my senses. I catalogued them in my brain instead of on my phone.

More creation, less consumption

While working on my book for the past three years, I’ve had a nagging question at the back of my mind: How much further along would I be with it, how much more developed would my characters be, how much more could I hone my craft, if I didn’t have the noise of social media crowding my time and headspace?

I craved those rare moments of inspiration that seemed to be crowded out by all the other things taking up real estate in my mind, including Instagram.

I got more productive work done with my book during my four weeks without social media than I had in the previous three years I’d been working on it. When social media was out of the picture, moments of inspiration started coming significantly more frequently. And not just inspiration about my book, but about my kids, my friends, and my other creative projects.

Consuming social media (and other forms of media too) makes us feel like we’re doing something, but after an hour of it, we’re not left with much to show for it. It’s too easy to get stuck in a cycle of consuming instead of creating. (I love Jody Moore’s podcast on this.)

Validation from within

Shortly after I got off Instagram, I started feeling some intense insecurities—to the point of what felt like an emotional breakdown. It was strange, because I thought getting off social media would have the opposite effect. Then I realized two things:

First, I wasn’t experiencing the buzz of sharing my photos and thoughts with the world and getting the near-constant validation of likes, comments, and new followers anymore.

Second, I wasn’t using social media to numb or escape from my feelings and my reality anymore. I was having to feel and process things more deeply. It was a wake-up call to how much I was depending on distraction to avoid and numb feelings.

I’m learning the valuable lesson of feeling the full extent of my emotions and fostering self-validation instead of relying on external sources for it.

Feeling whole

As modern women, we feel like we’re being pulled in hundreds of directions. Social media exacerbates that fragmented feeling because we’re seeing what everyone else is doing, and comparing (even subconsciously) our situation and our choices to theirs. It’s overwhelming. I think our brains are kind of freaking out about the information overload of it.

Life isn’t meant to be lived by peering into everyone’s proverbial backyards to see what they’re up to, what their house looks like, what their hair looks like, what vacations their enjoying, and how their kids are behaving. We also don’t need to hear everyone’s advice (even good advice) about everything under the sun. That clouds our own intuition and common sense. It skews the perspective that we each have unique ways of living and parenting, and that being a successful, beautiful woman, wife, or mother doesn’t have a certain look.

A no-regrets motherhood

Ever since I lost my social media addiction, I’ve been more present with my kids. That’s how I want to spend these years while they’re young and under my influence. And that won’t happen unless I make some intentional choices about how I use social media. I want to set the example that living life and connecting with people always comes before connecting with technology and social media.

Finding balance

I’m back on social media. But I can’t consume it in the same way I did before, because now I know how much more peaceful, liberating, and fulfilling life feels when I’m not tethered to my phone.

Now, I preserve most moments for my family and I. When I do share, I don’t spend much time there, and I delete the app on weekends.

I don’t think social media is evil or something we should all ditch. There’s a lot of good to be found on it, and I enjoy sharing and connecting there. I applaud my friends who are able to pursue their passions and support their families through it. But for me, the return on my social media investment wasn’t worth the time and energy I was putting into it.

While social media apps can be a positive tool, the richness, fulfillment, and excitement of life is not contained in them. It’s in our relationships. Our real-life experiences. In simple, everyday moments, and in off-screen thoughts and inspiration. We shouldn’t have fear of missing out on what’s going on in the social media world—but of what we could be missing by spending too much time in it.

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Author information

Kim is a freelance writer, journalist, and book-loving mom. She's passionate about helping families thrive and connect through reading. She shares book recommendations for kids and adults as well as articles on motherhood and mindfulness online at Talk Wordy to Me.

Kim is currently working on a novel inspired by her visit to a picturesque English village, a non-fiction account of her adventures living in Australia for four years, and two other mom-specific books she can't wait to reveal.

Kim is a fan of BBC dramas, traveling the world, simplifying her life and home, and encouraging other women to live their dreams.

]]>https://simpleasthatblog.com/what-i-gained-when-i-lost-my-social-media-addiction/feed/10https://simpleasthatblog.com/what-i-gained-when-i-lost-my-social-media-addiction/12 Powerful Tools: How to Find Joy Parenting Teens and Tweenshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uEubd/~3/URtp4YRbwVA/
https://simpleasthatblog.com/parenting-teens-and-tweens/#commentsFri, 04 May 2018 01:10:09 +0000https://simpleasthatblog.com/?p=24268If you’re in the thick of parenting teens and tweens, you might feel like you’re in uncharted territory. Consider these 12 resources your guidebooks on this journey! The other day, my baby did her younger sister’s hair before school when I wasn’t feeling up to it. She also mopped the floor. And that baby who’s […]

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Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>If you’re in the thick of parenting teens and tweens, you might feel like you’re in uncharted territory. Consider these 12 resources your guidebooks on this journey!

The other day, my baby did her younger sister’s hair before school when I wasn’t feeling up to it.

She also mopped the floor.

And that baby who’s no longer a baby leaned over in church and gave me a kiss when she saw I needed one.

The truth is that I’m not raising babies anymore. I’m raising tweens-in-the-making and full-fledged teenagers and some days it’s an absolute joy. Other days it’s hard! Really, really hard.

Settling into this new season of mothering has had its ups and downs. Sometimes I look back on those early years with fondness as I forge bravely ahead through all new territory.

Yet I know I’m not alone in this. I know other parents of teens and tweens are cautiously feeling their way along. That’s why I’m so thankful there are resources to light our way: podcasts and books and websites and online parent groups, all full of wisdom, guidance, and encouragement.

12 Powerful Resources for Parenting Teens and Tweens

Here are 12 tools to start with if this parenting road you’re on feels a little rocky and unfamiliar to you, too.

When you are the mom of a teen or tween, you spend a lot of time waiting. Waiting for the game to start or the game to end. For your athlete/musician/student to be ready to be picked up. Waiting to hear from your athlete/musician/student that they’re ready to be picked up.

While you’re doing all this waiting, you might as well accomplish something purposeful and productive, and listening to a podcast designed just for parents of teens and tweens can be that something. One to start with is the Light the Fight Podcast. I’ve followed Heidi since my early scrapbooking days, and this family I’d seen grow up via scrapbook magazines and social media always seemed so perfect from the outside looking in. But when I heard about her son’s tragic death, I was so drawn to Heidi’s story. I couldn’t imagine going through such a difficult trial, and I wanted to understand more.

The insights shared in each episode have been eye-opening for me…not only in the way I interact with, speak with, and relate to my teenagers but in relationships in general. There’s so much great information here, and I feel like learning from Heidi’s heartache is a privilege. This is real-life parenting, bravely shared.

I loved Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish’s How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk, so I’m excited about this teen-focused follow-up. The dual emphasis on both talking to our older kids and listening in a way that encourages them to talk feels pretty crucial in this season of parenting tweens and teens.

When I put out a call on Instagram for suggestions on parenting resources, several people recommended this book. And no wonder: where your adolescent daughter is concerned, this New York Times bestseller by Lisa Damour, Ph.D. promises to tell you what’s going on, what’s to come, and when it’s time to worry. Sign me up.

I can tell my kids I love them all day long, but if I’m not saying it in a language they understand, their minds and hearts are never going to fully comprehend my message. Best-selling author Dr. Gary Chapman explores the world teenagers live in, explains their developmental changes, and gives tools to help identify and appropriately communicate in your teen’s particular “dialect.” Which is huge, because in spite of all the other input our tweens and teens receive in their linked-up lives, the voice of a parent telling them they’re loved unconditionally still speaks the loudest.

In the simplest possible terms, the teen brain is not fully cooked. It’s still raw in some places and under construction in others. If I try to parent my tween or teen as I would, say, an adult with a 35-year-old brain, I’m going to fight a losing battle…and I’m going to fight a lot more battles, period. Jerusha Clark and Dr. Jeramy Clark lend personal and professional insights to help parents adjust how they see their teens—and, ultimately, to revolutionize their relationships with these amazing but often-perplexing young people.

Dr. Kevin Leman is funny and smart…a potent, needed combination when you’re parenting tweens and teens. This classic, widely-recommended resource doesn’t presume you don’t love the child you already have. But it does give hope that change where change is needed is possible without a six-month, 75-step plan. As parents and as people, we’re always either moving forward or sliding backward. This guide will help you maintain your future-facing momentum.

Authors Molly Wingate M.A. and Marti Woodward M.S. offers a hopeful promise to parents of older kids: if your relationship with them isn’t what you want, you have the power to change it. They advise moms and dads that their children want close relationships with them and that they press into their parents’ acceptance, approval, and attention. So often as parents, I think we can feel helpless when our relationship with our tweens and teens isn’t what we wish it was, so I’m encouraged by the empowering message of this book.

I started journaling with my oldest daughter just in a simple notebook, and these journals have been a great way to keep lines of communication open. We’ve been able to broach some difficult conversations, and my girls have been able to open up in our joint journals in ways they may not have felt comfortable if we were simply talking out loud. I can’t tell you how meaningful these journals have been for my girls and me, and I have no doubt they’d be equally powerful for moms and sons.

I came across this the other day while I was searching for books at our local library and was immediately intrigued. This is specifically aimed at tween girls, so if you’ve got one of these fascinating, complex creatures living in your house, you might want to look for this at your library, too.

This website bills itself as “the trusted resource for parenting teenagers,” and it offers one-stop-shopping for all things teen-related: health, tech, driving, family, sports, social life, and more. The site also features videos and podcasts, a weekly e-newsletter, and a print magazine.

If you’re looking for a safe, welcoming space where you can share the joys and struggles of parenting older kids, this closed Facebook group page might be a place to start. Articles, discussion, questions-and-answers, in “a place to discuss all aspects of parenting teens.”

We’re in this together

Leaving seasons of parenting that have brought us joy can trip us up. We don’t know the road, and our footing feels uneven. But the way to better things ahead with our teens and tweens is not a solo journey. There are tools and resources and communities to help us. We’ll get there together. And it will be so worth the trip.

If you have any other uplifting, empowering resources that have been a help on your parenting teens and tweens journey, please share them with us by leaving a quick comment!

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Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>https://simpleasthatblog.com/parenting-teens-and-tweens/feed/1https://simpleasthatblog.com/parenting-teens-and-tweens/Self-Care: The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Kidshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uEubd/~3/tLSOYfp_0zI/
https://simpleasthatblog.com/self-care-the-greatest-gift-you-can-give-your-kids/#commentsMon, 23 Apr 2018 20:50:37 +0000https://simpleasthatblog.com/?p=24072This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nature Made for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. I glanced at my youngest child in the rear-view mirror and smiled briefly to myself at the way she was bouncing in her seat. She’s a ball of energy when she gets out of school; […]

Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

I paused right there in the front seat, my hand frozen as it reached for the garage door opener.

I didn’t know.

In fact, I had no idea what she’d been talking about.

We’d driven together for ten minutes, and I couldn’t remember a single story, a single detail about her day.

I’ve done life—and in particular, parenting—two ways:

I’ve done it on overdrive, operating on empty.

And I’ve done it from a place of fullness.

Sure, when I was operating on overdrive, not much was slipping through the cracks. I was managing to get the kids to their practices, put decently nutritious meals on the table, keep my business humming, and remember all the little details that weigh us down mentally, like ordering cleats for soccer and replacing leaky water bottles.

I was one step ahead, but it took everything I had—and then some.

At other times, I’ve intentionally let some things fall through the cracks. I’ve let the kids buy hot lunch at school to free up my mornings, and I’ve forgotten a sports practice here and there… or even purposefully skipped some! I’ve been slower to volunteer and quicker to respect my own limits. And I’ve gone longer than I maybe should between grocery runs.

But did our family’s quality of life really suffer with those lost little details? When the fridge was emptier than normal or when a permission slip was signed the day of instead of a week before?

What Our Kids Really See

I’d argue that our quality of life actually suffered more when I was giving everything to keep all the balls in the air.

My kids barely notice when the kitchen floor needs swept. On the other hand, they always notice when I’m perpetually short with them.

My kids can usually take a missed birthday party in stride, but they cannot take in stride a mother who is more connected to her phone and her to-do list than she is to them.

My kids will survive (and even thrive) on meals that look like they belong on the cover of “World’s Okay-est Homemaker.” But they won’t thrive when I’m too distracted to listen to them… too tired to really see them and their struggles.

Dear Moms: Self-care is the greatest gift you can give your kids.

It’s what they want and what they need. They want and need a mom who is happy. A mom who understands her value. A mom who loves herself and loves her life even if it’s not perfect (especially when it’s not perfect).

This will impact your kids in ways not much else can. Taking care of yourself isn’t just a nice idea for someday when you have time; I’d assert that it’s your responsibility.

You can do good in your home, your life, and your community when you take care of yourself first and foremost.

3 Keys to Self-Care

1. Start believing that you belong on your own list.

You put every little detail on those mental to-do lists. I’m here to tell you that you belong at the top.

2. Re-prioritize activities you love.

I’ve talked to so many moms who let their personal interests slip away as they transitioned into motherhood. I get it, because motherhood is so consuming. But those hobbies that you once loved? They can bring you so much JOY even now, and your family needs to see you experiencing that kind of joy. They need to see you discovering new passions in the midst of raising children who are developing their own.

3. Get real rest.

One of the biggest things I’ve found that impacts my mood, my health, and my family’s daily operations is me getting enough rest. (There’s a reason withholding sleep is literally a torture tactic!)

I function ten million times better on a good night of sleep, and lately I’ve been finding that Nature MadeMelatonin (in particular the Melatonin Gummies, because yum!) helps me to fall asleep more and supports restful sleep† which makes a big difference in my overall sleep quality.

I’ve teamed up with Nature Made for their Healthy Together campaign, and I can’t wait to get even healthier—mentally, emotionally, and physically—together with each of you. (Don’t miss the giveaway at the bottom of this post!)

But in addition to sleep, let’s talk about rest.

Friends: Let yourself close your eyes for twenty minutes before you pick the kids up from school. Let yourself sit and just watch while they play in the backyard. Let yourself take a yoga class and really sink into the relaxation at the end. Rest.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.†

The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Kids

The greatest gift you can give your kids is a centered, rested, happy mom. That starts with taking care of you.

Healthy Together Giveaway

This is so exciting, you guys! Nature Made is giving one lucky Simple as That reader the chance to win this amazing Healthy Together prize package! I’m thrilled to be giving away five products to help you take better care of yourself! At a value of approximately $500, these are products I handpicked that have helped me on my journey to becoming a healthier ME in order to give my best self to my family.

3 ways to enter the giveaway

Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>https://simpleasthatblog.com/self-care-the-greatest-gift-you-can-give-your-kids/feed/4https://simpleasthatblog.com/self-care-the-greatest-gift-you-can-give-your-kids/Everything You Need to Know About Hiking to Havasupai With Kidshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uEubd/~3/xFthZU9lSkc/
https://simpleasthatblog.com/hiking-to-havasupai-with-kids/#commentsSat, 07 Apr 2018 15:45:23 +0000https://simpleasthatblog.com/?p=24192Not only is it doable as a family, it will go down as one of the most memorable adventures you’ll experience together! Here’s everything you need to know about hiking to Havasupai with kids. In 2015 we set out on one of our most exciting and challenging hiking adventures as a family. We hiked to Havasupai […]

Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.

]]>Not only is it doable as a family, it will go down as one of the most memorable adventures you’ll experience together! Here’s everything you need to know about hiking to Havasupai with kids.

In 2015 we set out on one of our most exciting and challenging hiking adventures as a family. We hiked to Havasupai in the Grand Canyon and the experience was beyond incredible! It challenged us in ways we hadn’t yet experienced and the beauty of this secluded space was magical to experience together.

We took our 3 oldest kids on the backpacking trip with us. They were 12, 10 and 7 at the time. We’ve been asked by many if hiking Havasupai with kids is possible. I always respond with a resounding YES! Was our trip void of complaints or questions of “are we there yet?” No, but as I continue to learn again and again along this parenting journey, these kids are stronger than we think! Given the opportunity to rise to a challenge they often far exceed our expectations!

We prepared the kids with information about just how difficult the hike would be. They had a pretty good idea of what to expect and they knew it would be worth it!

Challenging Outdoor Experiences Build Resilience

Our kids aren’t strangers to conquering outdoor challenges. We don’t shy away from adventurous family activities just because they’re young. As a parent, it’s always tricky to maintain balance between wanting to keep our children safe and protected vs. allowing them to fly. It can be much harder to let them fly, knowing they may encounter fear or failure.

But I believe that tackling challenging adventures side by side with our kids helps them learn valuable skills that can translate into real life. This trip to Havasupai was full of learning experiences and I hope our kids will hang on to these life lessons for years to come.

There’s a lot involved with planning a hike like this, especially with kids so I wanted to share some detailed information about our trip, tips for planning your own and things we learned from the experience that we’d do the same or differently next time – because there most certainly will be a next time!

Havasupai Reservations

Hiking to Havasu Canyon is not your average hike. Hiking permits and campground reservations are required before entering the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

No day hikes are allowed and there’s a maximum 4 day, 3 night stay per reservation. Havasupai has become a popular hiking destination and there are a limited number of reservations available each year. Online reservations open February 1st each year and you need to be ready with your planned travel dates, contact info, payment details, etc. Reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable and they fill up FAST!

There is the option to stay at the Havasupai Lodge. Information for the lodge can be found here.

When you arrive at the village of Supai check-in at the Tourist Office. You’ll be asked to show ID and will receive wrist bands that you’re required to wear for the duration of your visit.

Time of Year to Hike to Havasupai

Peak season to visit Havasupai is May – June. If you want to avoid the crowds I suggest going early in the season or in the Fall (August – September) going during the week vs. on the weekend. The water will be a lot cooler during these months but the campground will be less crowded. Be aware that July – August is Monsoon season.

There are a variety of schools of thought on when is the best time to hike to Havasupai. As I mentioned, we made our trip in July and after making some preparations for the heat we were really happy with the time of year we chose to go. First of all, pickings are slim when it comes to getting reservations. You may have to just take the dates you can get and make the most of it.

It was hot when we went but that made the water of Havasu Creek all the more refreshing. The water is quite cold even in the summer months. It cooled off at night making sleeping comfortable with little to no bedding needed. We had less to carry in because of the weather. Fewer clothing layers, less bedding was needed, etc. We packed hammocks and slept in them comfortably.

If the heat is a concern for you then definitely consider traveling to Havasupai in the Spring or Fall but hiking in July was definitely manageable.

Preparing for Your Havasupai Hiking Trip

No matter what time of year you’re traveling or the age of the people coming with you, a memorable trip always starts with some planning! Do your research. I’ve tried to include as much detail in this post as I could but if you have any further questions please leave them in the comments and I’m happy to answer or point you in the right direction for further information.

In preparation for our trip we were especially conscious of the time of year we’d be in the Grand Canyon. As I mentioned, we set out on our trip in July – a time of year when the desert heat has no mercy.

The weather at the time of year you’re traveling will influence a lot of your clothing choices and bedding needs. Plan to pack as light as possible no matter when you’re going.

We didn’t take a tent with us. We brought a blanket each and slept in hammocks.

It’s important that you have some hiking miles under your belt before you set out on this trek. Inexperienced hikers will struggle.

What You Need to Pack for Havasupai

Cooling towels (These were essential in helping us stay cool on our hike in and out!)

The Havasupai Trail

We opted to drive to the trailhead (Hualapai Hilltop) and camp in the parking lot the night before. We didn’t sleep well – the mosquitos were terrible. If we were doing it again we’d bring a tent to stay in that first night to protect us from the bugs. We woke up the next morning around 4AM to begin our hike so we could get as far on the trail as we could before the heat of the sun got intense. We were serious about beating the heat!

The first section of the trail consists of a number of steep switchbacks going down into the canyon. Keep in mind you’ll be hiking up those switchbacks at the end on the way out and this will be the toughest part of the entire journey.

We actually brought 2 frozen water jugs with us and stashed them strategically at the bottom of the switchbacks on the hike in. On the hike out we retrieved the water jugs and even though they were no longer cold we were able to use them to wet our cooling towels and top up our hydration packs for the hard climb.

The trail is 10 miles in total each way. The first 2 miles of the trail are the switchbacks. Hiking poles are especially handy during this leg of the hike. It’s another 6 miles of relatively flat hiking before you reach the village of Supai. From Supai it’s another 2 miles to the campground.

Our kids are pretty experienced hikers and it was a stretch for them for sure. We’d recommend doing some smaller hikes in preparation. Get the kids used to carrying packs and condition yourselves before you take on Havasupai.

How hard is it? Really! Come on now. Well, I’m not going to sugar coat it you guys. It was tough but Havasupai with kids is possible! The hike in feels long especially in the heat but that hike out. Man. It’s a killer on the switchbacks at the end of the trail will test your resolve for sure. When we reached the parking lot it felt like a huge accomplishment!

**Note: Our friends hiked with us and they brought a cooler of frozen drinks with them. They kept them in the trunk of their vehicle. When we reached the parking lot at the end of the hike we were rewarded with cold, slushy drinks! They were heavenly after that long, hot hike!

Food and Water to Pack with you to Havasupai

We packed a variety of Mountain House freeze-dried food with us and they were perfect! They were tasty and very lightweight to carry. We boiled water (available in the campground) with the Jet Boil Stove we brought along. Keep your meals ultra simple

You’ll burn a lot of energy hiking and playing in the water once you reach the campground. Make sure you have adequate, nutrient-dense food sources.

**Note: There is drinking water available in the campground to fill your hydration packs and water bottles.

Mule Rentals and Helicopter Rides

If the hike in and out worry you then there are options available to reach Havasupai. You can send your gear in and out on a mule. You must make arrangements for this ahead of time and prices are subject to change.

There are helicopters available to transport passengers and their gear from the trailhead to Supai and vice versa. Flights begin at 10am on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday and are available on a first come first serve basis.

Helicopter rides cost a very reasonable $85 each way, plus $20 per bag.

If you’re going to take the helicopter one way, I’d recommend taking it out of the canyon. The hike out is definitely more challenging – especially the switchbacks at the end!

The Supai Campground Details

Reservations for the campground are currently full for 2018. Campsites are available on a first come first serve basis. Reservations open February 1st of each year and fill up extremely fast. The campground is beautiful and well maintained.

When we first arrived in the Havasu Canyon we set out to find a campsite right away as we’d heard they can fill up quickly as the day progresses. There were so many pretty spots to set up camp along Havasu Creek. Camping is available on both sides of the creek for over a mile between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls.

There are 5-gallon buckets available for campers to store their food and other supplies in and we HIGHLY recommend using one. The squirrels in the canyon are aggressive and they WILL get to food left in packs. We had the unfortunate experience of the squirrels eating through a couple of our packs and destroying some of our food supply. We noticed some picnic tables in the water scattered around the campground and if you place your food or packs on them the squirrels can’t get to them either.

Campfires in the campground are prohibited. There is drinking water available in the campground. This is where we filled up our hydration packs and water bottles in the early morning on our hike out.

Check weather forecasts and beware of flash floods, especially during monsoon season. Make note of areas of high ground in case of an emergency.

Havasu Canyon Waterfalls

Is the bright blue water just as beautiful in real life as it is in photos? Yes! It really is. That beautiful turquoise water that you’ve seen in all the pictures is just as vivid and clear in real life. I’ll never forget our first glimpse of Havasu Falls as we came around the bend in the trail. This oasis in the desert is truly breathtaking and worth the arduous hike. I’d do it again with our entire family in a heartbeat just to spend more time soaking up this wonder of nature! Spending time in Havasupai with our kids is something we’ll always remember.

There are several falls in Havasu Canyon including…

New Navajo Falls

50 Foot Falls

Moony Falls

Havasu Falls

Beaver Falls

Our trip was a quick one, we only stayed 2 days, one night. We were able to hike to Mooney Falls which was incredible but we didn’t make it to Beaver Falls and we wish we had. Doing the trip again we’d stay longer leaving more time to explore in the canyon and take in all of these beautiful waterfalls!

Video Footage from our Trip

Hiking Out of Havasupai

We recommend getting adequate rest before beginning your hike out. This will be the hardest part of the entire journey. Those switchbacks you made your way down in the cool darkness you’ll now be hiking up in the hot sun. The earlier you leave the campground the better or leave the campground in the late afternoon and hike into the night to avoid being on those switchbacks during the hottest part of the day.

You cannot just start your hike out on a whim you have to strategically plan when you’ll be hitting the switchbacks or you’ll have a rough time!

We opted to have the kids packs carried out by mule so all they had on their backs were their hydration packs. We were glad we made this decision. I mentioned those cooling towels being a lifesaver and the hike out is when they really came in handy!

Interesting Facts about Havasupai

Supai village is the last place in the United States to send and receive its mail by donkey.

The Havasupai Indians have lived in the Grand Canyon for over 800 years.

The village of Supai is the most remote community in the lower 48 states.

Why the turquoise water? Because it’s been stored underground in limestone caverns for so long calcium and magnesium have saturated the water. When the sun reflects off of those minerals you get the beautiful blue / green color.

Havasupai means people of blue-green waters.

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I’ve tried to include as much information about our Havasupai Adventure with kids in this post as I could but I’d love to hear your questions! If there’s anything I missed please let me know in the comments.

This was one of the most incredible things we experienced together as a family! Have you done this hike? Do you hope to some day in the future?

Author information

Rebecca Cooper is a 38-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.